Surname Kaswurm - Meaning and Origin
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Kaswurm: What does the surname Kaswurm mean?
The surname Kaswurm is believed to be of German origin and was first recorded in the Middle Ages. It is thought to come from a combination of two words - Kas, which means ‘hatchet’ or ‘axe’, and wurm, which means ‘worm’ or ‘dragon’. This suggests that Kaswurm may have originally been a nickname for someone considered to be ‘armed with an ax’ or ‘like a dragon’. It is possible that Kaswurm was originally an occupational surname, denoting a swordsmith or armorer.
The Kaswurm surname is found in many parts of the world, usually with variants of the spelling. The most common variations are Casper, Kashfur, Caspar, Kaspar, and Kaswer. A notable bearer of the surname is Jacob Kaswurm (1712 – 1782), an Austrian colonial administrator who served as the colonial governor of Belize.
Today, the Kaswurm surname is found mainly in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada. Notable people with the surname Kaswurm include the influential early twentieth century Austrian geologist Julius Kaswurm, and the modern American political scientist Keith Kaswurm.
Ultimately, the name Kaswurm is an evocative one, thought to originally describe a swordsmith or armorer who had the ferocity of a dragon and was armed with an ax. Its variants are now found in various parts of the world, and have been borne by influential people in many areas, from science to politics.
Order DNA origin analysisKaswurm: Where does the name Kaswurm come from?
The last name Kaswurm is most common today in German-speaking regions, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and the surrounding areas of these countries.
The earliest documented instance of a person with the name is from 1430, when it appeared in Breslau, which was at the time the capital of Silesia in Germany. These are currently believed to have been the original holders of the name, and it is thought to have originated as a toponymic surame, indicating a geographical place of origin or occupation of the original bearers.
In the centuries since, Kaswurm is known to have spread to pretty much all German-speaking areas, with particularly strong concentrations in Bavaria and Alsace. Some second-generation immigrants to the United States, Canada and Australia also bear the name. Around the world, it is estimated that there are about 600 holders of the name Kaswurm.
In Germany itself, it has remained most popular in Bavaria, although there are also several bearers of the name located near the German-Polish border.
Variations of the surname Kaswurm
The surname Kaswurm is an ancient German name that can be spelled a variety of ways. It is also known by several closely related variations and surnames.
The most common variant spelling of this surname is Kostwurm. It is also spelled Castwurm and Kastwurm. The variants Kostworm, Castworm, and Kastworm can also be found. Other variations include Kasworm, Casworm, and Kaswermer.
Several related surnames have evolved from this surname as well. These include Gastwurm, Kastwurm, Kocht, Kost, Kosten, Kotton, Kostwor, Kosteress, and Kostine.
The family of Kaswurm first appeared in the Middle Ages in what are now German-speaking regions, including Franconia, Thuringia, and Saxony. They were typically farmers and small craftsmen who lived in the small towns and villages along the banks of the Elbe and Saale Rivers.
The name Kaswurm is among the oldest and most widespread German surnames and continues to be used today by descendants in Germany and beyond.
Famous people with the name Kaswurm
- Ben Kaswurm, former NHL player
- Brigette Kaswurm, former Miss Universe Paraguay
- Jacqueline Kaswurm, an Olympic short track speed skater
- Bob Kaswurm, former NFL offensive lineman
- Cheryl Kaswurm, former NCAA Division I basketball coach
- Hugo Kaswurm, Chilean scientist
- Joanna Kaswurm, international diplomat
- Gisela Kaswurm, actress
- Edmund Kaswurm, German botanist
- Wilhelm Kaswurm, Austrian landscape painter